DAY 1: Ireland - Rome.

Fly to Rome where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the night.

DAY 2: Rome - Orvieto - Tuscan Hills - Poggibonsi.

Drink in the Umbrian countryside as you head for Orvieto, a winemaking town on a high volcanic outcrop. Admire its black and yellow 14th century cathedral, which took 300 years to build, and overflows with frescoes and works of art. Afterwards, drive through classic Tuscan landscapes past the hill towns of Chianti before arriving at Poggibonsi for four nights. This pretty town is perfectly located for touring the area. (B, D)

DAY 3: Poggibonsi.

Spend today relaxing or take our optional excursion to two of Tuscany's most enchanting towns. With its pepperpot-shaped towers, cobbled streets and tall townhouses, hilltop San Gimignano looks as if it has bypassed time itself. Another medieval masterpiece, Siena's narrow lanes and russet-painted mansions cluster around its famous Piazza del Campo. Shaped like a scallop, this café-lined square is the setting for its fabled Palio horse race. (B, D)

DAY 4: Poggibonsi - Florence - Poggibonsi.

Brimming with artistic and architectural treasures, Renaissance Florence is heaven for culture vultures. Your full day excursion makes the most of this glorious city, ruled over for centuries by the Medici family. Enjoy a guided walk around its monuments, seeing its dazzling, domed Duomo and campanile, the Loggia della Signoria - an elegant arcade filled with statues and much more. (B, D)

DAY 5: Poggibonsi - Pisa - Poggibonsi.

This morning, drive to Pisa to see its world-famous Square of Miracles, home to the Leaning Tower. Begun in 1173, this extraordinary tower started to lean soon afterwards due to poor foundations, before being completed in the 14th century. Snap photos of this gravity-defying structure, admire the nearby Duomo, Baptistry and Campo Santo cemetery and enjoy some time to explore independently, dipping into the shops and restaurants along the historic Via Santa Maria. The afternoon is at your leisure. (B)

DAY 6: Poggibonsi - Verona - Venice area.

Travel through the Po Valley to Verona on the River Adige. Laid out in a grid by the Romans, this 'Pink City' serves up a wealth of sights, including 'Juliet's Balcony', which Shakespeare had Romeo climb to meet his lover. Later, continue your travels to the Venice area for two nights. (B)

DAY 7: Venice.

After a short drive and a boat trip along the Giudecca Canal, arrive in what is arguably the world's most beautiful city - Venice. An independent state and major maritime power during the Middle Ages, its narrow canals, ornate footbridges and exquisite architecture never fail to impress. Enjoy a demonstration of the historic Venetian delicate art of glassblowing. Get to know this magical city in your own way, exploring its piazzas, palazzos and churches or taking an optional romantic gondola ride. (B, D)

DAY 8: Venice area - Ravenna - San Marino.

Once the western seat of the Byzantine Empire, the peaceful town of Ravenna is known for its domed churches, many adorned with spectacular Byzantine mosaics. Admire these artworks before heading for the tiny republic of San Marino, Europe's third smallest independent state, for one night. (B, D)

DAY 9: San Marino - Urbino - Gubbio - Assisi area.

Today the first stop is Urbino, the birthplace of Raphael. Nestling on a hillside, this walled town is dominated by a twin-towered Ducal Palace, the setting for 15th century Europe's most illustrious court. Next, carry on to medieval Gubbio, whose fairytale Palazzo dei Consoli commands sweeping views over its rooftops and countryside beyond. Finally, drive towards Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, staying in nearby Foligno. (B, D)

DAY 10: Assisi area - Naples.

Your day begins at the major Catholic pilgrimage site of Assisi. Admire Giotto's frescoes in its breathtaking 13th century Basilica, before crossing the Apennines to the Mediterranean coast for three nights in historic Naples, set against the imposing backdrop of Mount Vesuvius. (B)

DAY 11: Naples - Capri - Naples.

Today take in the scenery as you sail to the tiny island of Capri. Once favoured by wealthy Romans who built sumptuous clifftop villas here, it is packed with attractions, including fascinating classical ruins. Discover buzzing Capri Town, strolling its pretty piazzas and exclusive avenues studded with boutiques and restaurants. Grab the chance for an optional tour that takes you to the island's main highlights. (B, D)

DAY 12: Naples - Pompeii - Sorrento - Naples.

Get to know bustling Naples on an orientation drive before heading for Pompeii. Buried under thick ash for 1,700 years, this ancient city sits beneath its destroyer - Mount Vesuvius - and is one of the world's most astonishing archaeological treasures. Walk with your guide around its villas and streets before spending the evening in colourful Sorrento. (B)

DAY 13: Naples - Montecassino - Rome.

This morning stop in Montecassino. This hilltop town boasts a massive Benedictine Abbey and is the site of a famous World War II battle. Continue to Rome, where you'll have free time to acquaint yourself with the 'Eternal City', perhaps visiting its churches, shopping for souvenirs or enjoying its restaurants. Alternatively, dig deeper into the city on one of our optional sightseeing tours. (B)

DAY 14: Rome.

With its ancient monuments, Renaissance art and grand fountains and palaces, Rome spans the millennia like no other city on earth. Today's included sightseeing takes in its greatest sights, from St Peter's Square to the Roman Forum and majestic Colosseum - the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. Afterwards, there's time to explore on your own or take one of our optional excursions - visiting the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, discovering Tivoli's Villa d'Este gardens or enjoying dinner and a scenic drive through the Roman hills. (B)

DAY 15: Rome - Ireland.

Transfer to the airport for your flight. (B)